Mr. James R. Harris

James R. Harris, age 85, of Casco Township, passed away on April 1, 2016, peacefully. He was born on May 5, 1930, in Roseville, to the late Russell and Gladys Harris. He married Lorraine Furton on March 17, 1950 in Mt. Clemens, she preceded him in death on November 11, 1989. Jim served honorably in the U.S. Navy. He was an auxiliary police officer for the City of Mt. Clemens, for five years. He was hired as a special patrolman in 1968 for The Village of New Haven, he then became a patrolman, Chief of Police and was promoted to Sergeant, in 1977, retiring in 1986. He was Past President Pro-tem for the Village of New Haven, was Past Constable of Lenox Township. Jim was a member of Fraternal Order of Police and the American Legion. He enjoyed watching the Detroit Tigers, traveling, collecting nutcrackers, going to the casino and watching and feeding hummingbirds. He was currently employed at Michigan Meadows Golf Course, where he worked for 22 years. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and brother. He is survived by his beloved, Jeanette of Casco Township, children; James (Sharon) Harris of Port Sanilac, Debra (Chuck) Esser of Ira Township, Tammy Folson of Charlotte, North Carolina, Kim (Bruce Mize) Harris of Twin Lake and Colleen (Rick Clark) Harris of New Haven, ten grandchildren; Donita (David), Brandy (Al), David, Nicole (Dave), Jimmy, Corissa, Melissa and Michael, 13 great grandchildren, his extended family; Deborah Morgan, Lisa (Thomas) Martindale, Daniel Wroblewski, Joseph (Michelle) Wroblewski and their children and grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters; Kay (Barbara) Harris, Shirley Hubbarth, Ed (Janet) Harris, Laura (Ted) Shinn, Gladys (Carl) Gabrielson and Gary (Joyce) Harris, his four legged friend, Abby, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Bonnie Sims, two grandchildren; Donald Jr., and Bryan, brother, Thomas and a brother-in-law, Al. Funeral mass will be held on Thursday, at 10:30am in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church – 9764 Dixie Highway, Ira Township. Father Joe Esper will officiate. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, New Baltimore. Visiting will be Wednesday, from 12:00pm (noon) until 8:00pm in the Jowett Funeral Home – 57737 Gratiot, New Haven. He will lie in state Thursday, from 10:00am until time of mass at 10:30am. Pallbearers will be: David Harris, Jim Harris III, Michael Kincaid, Gary Harris, Dan Wroblewski and Michael Gabrielson. St. Clair County Allied Veterans will conduct military honors. Memorial tributes can be made to the wishes of the family.

Mr. James R. Harris

May 5, 1930 - April 1, 2016